Dave Hause & The Mermaid diving into Brighton

Originally paying his dues as a member of US punk band The Loved Ones, supporting the likes of NOFX and The Bouncing Souls along the way, Dave Hause hasn’t stopped touring in his solo form either. He released his first solo album Resolutions in 2011 on Xtra Mile, and has been featured in The Gaslight Anthem’s video for Bring It On. He also toured as part of the excellent, unmissable Revival tour in 2011 which also included curator Chuck Ragan, Alkaline Trio’s Dan Adriano, and The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon, among others. He released second solo album Devour at the tail end of 2013 ensuring plenty of campfire singalongs to his potent folk-pop.

Dave Hause

Yep, I know a support act getting its own review – BUT this guy and his band totally deserve it. They supported Gogol Bordello and were part of the Lout Promotions bill for the Dome in Brighton. How do you open for an act such as Gogol? I am not sure, But Dave and his band delivered a masterclass in how to do it and do it right! People ask for comparisons, and so ok, the closest I can do is kinda like Bryan Adams – back in his Summer Of 69 era. But that really doesn’t cut it, its a rough comparison, and when you actually see Dave and the band play their material live, they really are something very special.

This was the third or fourth visit to Brighton for Mr Hause, he and The Mermaid took to the stage – even before Dave and the band took their places the crowd erupted with pleasure as he stepped out on the stage. He opened the set with a stripped back acoustic number, beautifully played and delivered.

He has been missed by Brighton fans. I know a few folk who had gone to see him in his own right. From the outset Dave is a perfect front man. Acoustic swapped for electric guitar and we were off!

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Dave and the band roused and riled the crowd with powerful songs, one after the other. His finale was the delightful “tongue in cheek” song ‘Dirty Fucker’ this really got a huge cheer from the crowd as Dave dedicated the track to the current US president! this prompted a tremendous response from the crowd and The Mermaid splashed in, head first, to deliver this top rockin’ tune. Dave ditched the guitar, grabbed a mic and proceeded to mingle with the crowd. Lifted shoulder high he finished the song. He managed to climb back up onto the stage as the song ended. He has got to be pleased with that performance. What a show stopper to end with! Usually the guest/support act only draw a few people in, not in this case!

A video!

I will wait to see Dave Hause live again and if it is anything as good as this set was it will be 100% worth the wait. I just hope it isn’t going to be a long wait. An excellent choice of songs, both new and old, the band really did embrace the crowd and benefited from the full band sound given at The Dome.

Dave Hause

Throughout the entire performance Hause had a joyous smile etched on to his face, and that seemed to rub off on the crowd. It looked as if he was relishing performing as part of a band, and his band seemed to be enjoying the ride. Guest/Support act??? These guys deserve to be headlining – go check them out and see a show!

THANKS

Thanks to LOUT promotions and SonicPR – Lout always bring some of the very best to Brighton. Look after these guys – go see the shows and help everyone to keep music live!

Thanks to the staff and team at the Brighton Dome. Its been a while since I was last there, always lovely to talk to and always happy to help. Thanks.